In a series of alarming incidents over the weekend of June 10, 2024, three ships caught fire after being struck by projectiles off the coast of Yemen. These attacks are part of a broader campaign by the Houthis, a group increasingly demonstrating sophisticated tactics in their assaults on maritime vessels. This escalation poses significant risks to seafarers and underscores the urgent need for enhanced maritime security in the region.
Last weekend, the Antigua-flagged cargo ship Noorderney was hit by a missile 83 nautical miles southeast of Aden. The attack caused a fire on board, which was subsequently contained, but not without the crew witnessing a second missile narrowly missing their vessel. Nearby small boats also opened fire on the ship, adding to the chaos and danger faced by those on board. Splash24 has an article about this here.
The same day, another missile struck the MSC-controlled Tavvishi boxship, located 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden. This attack also resulted in a fire, contributing to the growing list of targeted vessels in this volatile region. The following day, a third unnamed ship was hit, although it managed to proceed to its next port of call despite the damage sustained.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported in these incidents, but the psychological impact on seafarers cannot be underestimated. The constant threat of attack is a heavy burden, affecting not just those on the ships but also their families back home.
The Houthis have shown increased sophistication in their attacks, employing both sea and air tactics. Their first successful sea drone strike on Evalend Shipping’s Tudor kamsarmax resulted in severe damage and water ingress in the engine room, tragically claiming the life of one seafarer. Another attack on the Verbena cargo ship saw three projectiles hit, causing a severe blaze and necessitating a medevac for a seriously injured crew member. You can read more about this on Splash24
These incidents highlight a disturbing trend: more than 110 merchant vessels have been targeted by the Houthis since their campaign in support of Hamas began last November. Despite efforts by international bodies and the United Nations Security Council to negotiate a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, the violence persists, leaving seafarers caught in the crossfire.
The relentless aggression has a profound impact on the mental health and well-being of seafarers. Steven Jones, founder of the Seafarers Happiness Index, emphasized the terror experienced by crew members navigating these dangerous waters. The fear and uncertainty extend beyond the immediate vicinity of attacks, affecting the families of seafarers and complicating recruitment and retention efforts within the maritime industry.
The psychological strain on seafarers is compounded by the pressure from concerned family members urging them to return home. This ongoing threat not only endangers lives but also has far-reaching implications for the global shipping industry, which plays a critical role in maintaining the world’s supply chains.
In response to these escalating threats, industry associations and stakeholders are calling for immediate and decisive action. Intercargo, representing bulker owners, condemned the deliberate targeting of civilian seafarers and ships, urging all involved parties to cease their attacks and calling on states to enhance maritime security in the region.
InterManager, the international trade association for ship management, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of ensuring safe passage for commercial ships and the innocent seafarers who operate them. The association underscored the global responsibility to protect those who keep trade moving across the world’s oceans.
The recent surge in Houthi attacks on merchant shipping highlights a dire need for increased security measures and international cooperation to safeguard seafarers. As these men and women brave the dangers of conflict-ridden waters, the global community must step up efforts to protect them and ensure the continued flow of trade that sustains our economies and livelihoods.
The plight of seafarers navigating the waters of conflict serves as a stark reminder of the broader implications of regional instability. It is imperative that international bodies, governments, and industry stakeholders work together to bring about a safer and more secure maritime environment.
